Services would range from providing information on the types of businesses, their potential or viability to a step-to-step guide on setting up a business.

“It is something like the A-to-Z on doing business. For those who prefer to be salaried workers, we will provide the training and help them find placements,” Chew said.

The Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the centre, which was planned a year ago, would also be open to men and not just to women.

She said she got the idea for the centre after observing the needs of modern society and also learning from the movement’s past experiences.

“Wanita MCA has all along conducted skills-training via its Multi-Purpose Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur,” said Chew, who is the wing’s fourth national chairman after winning the post uncontested last October.

She said emphasis would be on businesses that offered flexible working hours like IT-based businesses and those using the “soho” (small office home office) concept.